Since 2018, South Sudan has been immersed in the process of a transition to democracy. A new government was created, made up of representatives from opposing sides. However, neither peace nor elections have been achieved as the date of the elections has been delayed again. They will be held in the following year at best, now scheduled for December 2026.
The announcement was a further disappointment. Some criticize the international community for not helping the process. But the United Nations responds to this.
NICHOLAS HAYSOM
Head, United Nations Mission in South Sudan
There are many who argue that the failure up to now can be attributed to the failure of the international community to provide funds and resources for the elections. I have to make it absolutely clear there is not one penny that is coming for these elections if the South Sudanese don't indicate the political will to implement this electoral programme. It cannot be, as some of them said to me, that the international community wants elections and democracy more than the South Sudanese. So, people will look very closely at the steps which the South Sudanese are taking to demonstrate the political will and the desire to leave the transition
The transition to democracy and peace has also been promoted from Rome with meetings such as this one, in which the representatives of the different sides traveled to the Vatican. The Pope implored them for peace with this eloquent gesture of kissing their feet.
And then he traveled to the country along with other Christian leaders whose presence in South Sudan is important.
However, it seems that the road to peace will take longer than expected. Instability has become chronic and is taking its toll on the population. There are currently an estimated 8.7 million refugees and the humanitarian crisis there is considered to be one of the worst in the world.
JH
